Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tangy Lemon Garlic Roasted Carrots are a flavorful and vibrant side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a zesty lemon and garlic marinade. Roasting them in the oven brings out their caramelized goodness, making them a perfect addition to any meal. The bright, fresh lemon flavor and the savory depth from garlic make these carrots a refreshing twist on a classic vegetable side.
Ingredients
*Carrots
*Olive oil
*Garlic cloves, minced
*Lemon juice
*Lemon zest
*Honey
*Salt
*Black pepper
*Fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and trim the carrots, cutting them into equal-sized sticks or rounds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the carrots in the lemon garlic mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- Swap the parsley for fresh thyme or dill for an herbaceous twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store Tangy Lemon Garlic Roasted Carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Yes, baby carrots work well and will cook slightly faster than larger ones.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can prep the carrots and toss them in the marinade the day before, storing them in the fridge. Roast them just before serving.
Can I use other vegetables instead of carrots?
Yes, this marinade works well with other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or beets.
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Yes, you can omit the honey or replace it with agave syrup or a little bit of brown sugar for sweetness.
Conclusion
Tangy Lemon Garlic Roasted Carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. The combination of garlic, lemon, and a touch of sweetness from honey brings out the carrots’ natural flavors in the best way. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or as a weeknight side, these roasted carrots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintTangy Lemon Garlic Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tangy Lemon Garlic Roasted Carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots while adding a zesty, garlicky twist. Perfect for any meal, they’re easy to prepare and make for a refreshing addition to your plate!
Ingredients
1 lb (about 6–8) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Add the carrot sticks to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the lemon-garlic mixture.
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Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
-
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
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For extra tang, you can add a little lemon zest on top just before serving.
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You can substitute the olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
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For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.